THE REGION

THE REGION; Minority shift in the city's work force

Published: December 20, 1987

Minorities - blacks, Hispanics and Asians - are on the verge of becoming a majority in New York City's resident labor force, the United States Department of Labor announced last week. The change reflects a shift in the city's population: the exodus of non-Hispanic whites and the influx of blacks, Hispanics and newer ethnic groups, such as Asians. But the minority workers are still concentrated largely in lower level jobs. New York City's resident labor force Total: 3,227,000 White Non-Hispanic: 50.7% (1,636,000) Hispanic: 20.5% (663,000) Black and other non-Hispanic: 28.8% (928,000) Minorities Total: 49.3% (1,591,000) Percent of resident job-holders employed in managerial, professional and technical occupations (1986) White 36% Black and other 21% Hispanic 16% (Source: U.S. Department of Labor)